30/03/2024
Be sure before you show off.
Many years ago, I was in primary 5 in Agbodo primary school. Agbado is situated in the heart of Benin city, Edo state in Nigeria.
The „“IN“ thing for kids my age was backdive (backflip).
On this faithful day after school, we got home and it was time for evening lessons, I decided to opt out of the lesson to go and learn what my mates were learning (backflip). I tried many times for hours before I could get it.
I flipped backwards and landed with my legs facing forward. I did it!!! I shouted.
I ran off immediately to call my friends.
My friends where inside the lesson class solving maths problems. I stood by the door and was shouting „“Isaiah I can perform backflips“, he looked at me excitedly and pointed at the maths teacher that he can not come out, but I should come in and learn and then after class we will go together. I said no. Instead I stood outside the class excited and waiting for him.
After class, it was cool evening with the sun was about to set. The teacher called me asked why I did not enter the class, I was honest and told him that I was waiting to go and show my friend my backflip skills that I just learnt.
He asked me how many times I got it right, I told him just one time. He smiled and wished me luck, not without first telling me that next time if I knew I would not be attending the class, I should go and continue practicing till my friend comes.
I took my friend‘s hand and ran into the sand and tried my backflip skills, your guess is as good as mine.
I was not able to do it.
From that day till date which is about 36 years later, I cannot backflip.
Thank God I took my maths lessons a little seriously after that incident.
That you took the first step and got it right does not mean you know the way. You need to take the next step and repeat the steps. That way you will master the way without using google map.
Then you can boldly come out and say „“follow me, I know the way“.
Afterall they say „“practice makes perfect“.
